Sources: Hanshin Official / Daily Sports
The Hanshin Tigers announced on November 30 that they have reached an agreement with right-handed Panamanian pitcher Javy Guerra. The 28-year-old will wear #00 and his contract is estimated to be worth one million US dollars (¥147 million).
Guerra sent the following comment on to Japan: “Nice to meet you, Tigers fans. I’m Javy Guerra. I am extremely excited to be part of the Hanshin Tigers organization in 2024. I will join the team at spring training and am excited to meet my manager, coaches, teammates, and all the Tigers fans. I am happy to hear that the Tigers won the Japan Series in 2023, and am thankful to be joining such an outstanding team. I will do my best to help the team win the pennant and the Japan Series again next year.”
Guerra can throw over 100 miles per hour, averaging 97.8 mph (156.4 km/h) on his fastball. His two-seamer has been clocked at 99.6 mph (159.3 km/h), and he also boasts a slider and sweeper.
The team also announced the re-signing of three currently rostered imports. Sheldon Neuse will reportedly take a $200,000 pay cut (down to $1.1 million = ¥162 million), while Johan Mieses ($500,000) and Jeremy Beasley ($800,000) will come back for the same amount as they earned this past season.